- Play Hard
- 17th Oct 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
6 autumn North East National Trust adventures: Gardens, walks and comfort food
- Advertisement Feature
Our favourite season, autumn, is here – and there’s no better way to step into the seasonal spirit than exploring the North East’s National Trust treasures.
Crisp air, golden leaves and cosy cafés await, as gardens across the region are full of autumnal colours – ready for refreshing autumn walks to blow those cobwebs away.
GIBSIDE
Nestled in the Derwent Valley, Gibside offers wild woodland and Georgian elegance. It’s a garden for every generation – the kind of place where the little ones can race through the trees while grown-ups wander through the Walled Garden or take in the stunning views along the Avenue.
Early autumn brings a harvest of pumpkins, squash and raspberries, while the oak-lined Avenue turns into a photo-lover’s dream in mid-October. Keep an eye out for fungi too – puffballs and toadstools make the woods feel almost enchanted.
And don’t miss the new Spiral Galaxy Garden, inspired by Mary Eleanor Bowes’ love of science and astronomy. This swirling bed of colour is ever-changing through the seasons, weaving art, movement and nature into one captivating space.
After exploring, treat yourself to something tasty. The Market Place Café serves hearty sandwiches, cakes and daily specials, while the Pizza Pit dishes up wood-fired pizzas on weekends. If you’re after a coffee stop, the Stables Carriage House Coffee Shop is a cosy spot or grab a cappuccino from the Red Kite Kiosk while the little ones play nearby.
GIBSIDE WALKS
WALLINGTON
Over in Northumberland, Wallington’s gardens are drenched in autumn colour. The Walled Garden is filled with rich plums, deep purples and warm orange tones lighting up the borders. Take a deep breath – you might catch the scent of the cercidiphyllum tree, which smells like toffee apples.
The garden’s quirky layout makes it a joy to explore – nothing’s quite straight and the views open up in the most surprising ways. Keep your eyes peeled for hedgehogs, bees and cheeky moorhens.
When you’re ready for a refuel, the Clocktower Café has you covered with soups, sandwiches and those all-important homemade National Trust scones.
WALLINGTON WALKS
SEATON DELAVAL HALL
At Seaton Delaval Hall, autumn is the season to explore the drama of Sir John Vanbrugh’s landscape. Wander through the Parterre and Privy Garden, admire the historic Weeping Ash or discover the playful South East Garden where wildflowers and sculptures bring history to life.
Keep an eye on the exciting Rose Garden Revival Project – a major restoration that’s replanting hedges and reintroducing classic rose varieties like Gertrude Jekyll and Iceberg.
After all that fresh air, make a beeline for the Brewhouse Café. Housed in a 17th-century building, it serves homemade soups, sandwiches and freshly baked scones (the gluten-free and vegan options are top-notch too). It’s the perfect pit stop before you head out on one of the scenic estate trails.
SEATON DELAVAL HALL WALKS
CROOK HALL GARDENS
Step behind the gates at Crook Hall Gardens, and you’ll find a peaceful haven just a stone’s throw from Durham city centre. Each garden here has its own personality – from formal borders and cottage charm to tranquil ponds and winding paths.
Autumn brings colour and texture in abundance: beautyberries gleam purple, cotoneaster berries turn red and the maze takes on a golden hue. It’s a great time for a leisurely stroll or to join one of the weekly guided tours, where you can uncover the garden’s history or learn about its wildlife.
When it’s time for a treat, pop into The Garden Gate Café for homemade soup, paninis or a Doddington Dairy ice cream (whatever the weather).
CROOK HALL GARDEN WALKS
LINDISFARNE CASTLE
If you love a day trip with a sense of adventure, make your way across the causeway to Lindisfarne Castle. The Gertrude Jekyll Garden is a small but stunning masterpiece, full of hardy annuals and heritage vegetables. Autumn here feels peaceful and reflective -golden light, quiet paths and the adorable call of seals drifting over from the sands.
Take a seat in the picnic area and soak up the sweeping views of Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands – one of the best lunch spots in Northumberland.
Note: Lindisfarne Castle closes for the season soon, please check the website for details..
LINDISFARNE CASTLE WALKS
ALLEN BANKS AND STAWARD GORGE
Autumn is the perfect time to explore Allen Banks and Staward Gorge. The woods are full of with gorgeous colours – golden leaves crunch underfoot while the River Allen trickles through the gorge below. Take a wander along leafy trails, spot bright fungi peeking through the moss and keep an eye out for adorable red squirrels darting through the trees.
Pause at the old Victorian summerhouse for breathtaking views or just sit and soak up the peace. With its mix of wildlife, woodland walks and a touch of history, Allen Banks is made for a crisp autumn day out you won’t forget.
DISCOVER ALLEN BANKS AND STAWARD GORGE
ALLEN BANKS AND STAWARD GORGE WALKS
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.